FW8
THE FOUNDATION WORKSHOP 8
What is FW8?
Unlike other wedding photography workshops, the seventh annual Foundation Workshop (FW8) offers wedding photographers the unique opportunity to work closely with top photojournalists and established documentary wedding photographers.
Under the guidance of experienced instructors, FW8 participants will explore and develop their photojournalistic skills through the process of shooting and editing a complete photo story of real subjects. There will be no staged weddings or model shoots. Participants will be challenged to approach their real assignments creatively and encouraged to shoot passionately while establishing a foundation for learning the skills and perspective of a photojournalist.
Dates and location?
February 21-26, 2010 in Allen, TX (near Dallas, TX).
What’s the cost?
Full workshop registration will be $3250. 50% will be due at time of registration, with the remainder due near the end of 2009. We’re happy to announce that, as in years’ past, everyone who completes FW8 will be offered a discounted membership on the Foundation Workshop Forum to discuss what you’ve learned at the workshop..
How do I register and pay?
As of September 8, 2009, registration is full for FW8. You can, if you like, have your name put on a wait list in case there are cancellations. Please contact fworkshop {at} gmail dot com with your contact information.
What’s the nearest airport?
There are two airports serving Dallas: Dallas Fort-Worth International (DFW) and Love Field. Both are an equal distance from the workshop hotel.
Where will we be staying?
Our host hotel will be Hampton Inn in Allen, Texas. We have special reduced room rates for participants and faculty, and you’ll be given more information on making your reservations later.
What’s the schedule for FW8?
This is the preliminary schedule (subject to change):
Sunday Feb. 21: arrival of participants, pre-workshop reception (dinner provided) (We might have some additional educational programs available on Sunday afternoon.)
Monday Feb. 22 (Day 1): classroom instruction, presentations, group discussion (lunch provided)
Tuesday Feb. 23 (Day 2): shooting and editing, group discussion
Wednesday Feb. 24 (Day 3): shooting and editing, group discussion
Thursday Feb. 25 (Day 4): private critique sessions, final edit, final presentations (dinner provided)
Friday Feb. 26: departure of participants
Will we be responsible for our own transportation?
Yes. You will need a car to get to and from your assignment.
Who are on this year’s staff?
Our staff will be finalized later in the year. Here are our FW8 team leaders : Amy Deputy, David Murray, Greg Gibson, Tyler Wirken, and Brooks Whittington.
You had about 25 staff members at the last workshop (FW7). Isn’t that a lot?
We want to provide you with the most valuable instruction with a low student-to-faculty ratio to maximize your personalized attention. Many of the instructors have had experienced with previous Foundation Workshops. All are dedicated to the ideals of the workshop. We can allot up to six participants per team.
How does the team system work?
Each team has one team leader and three additional faculty members for six participants, who provide instruction in the field and in the editing suite at night. Because the teams function as independent units, each team is free to customize its schedule and procedures to suit the needs of its participants. Each night, all teams gather for a group discussion. The team leader is the editor and main instructor and is responsible for guiding the educational process of each team. The assistant is in charge of organizing and maintaining the team schedule. Mentors are available to assist participants with their shooting and answer any photography questions.
Can I choose my team leader?
We would like to match you up with the team leader of your choice. Please indicate your top two choices as team leaders when you enroll and we’ll do our best to accommodate everyone.
Will a mentor accompany me to my assignment?
Yes. Mentors will go in the field (for a short time) with participants for one-on-one instruction. We like to drop in on everyone to see how they’re doing and to offer any needed assistance or advice.
I don’t want to look bad in front of my peers. Can we edit my work in private?
We learn not only from examining our own work but from that of others. The editing sessions are conducted with the whole team present. It’s an invaluable process to begin to understand how other photographers think and see.
What skill level should I be at to make the most of FW8?
Participants should be familiar with using camera gear in a variety of situations and should not need to spend a lot of time and energy thinking about the mechanics. They should be able to quickly make adjustments of settings to accommodate their vision of how to photograph a scene.
Do I need digital equipment? What should I bring?
You’ll only need the basic digital equipment : two digital bodies, a wide lens, a medium lens, a long lens, flash with off-camera cord, and about 10 GB of memory. You’ll be shooting JPGs. You can bring a laptop for personal use, but you will not be needing it for the workshop.
Will I have to come up with my own photo story assignment?
Not unless you want to. FW8 will provide all assignments. The subjects will have been contacted and their participation confirmed.
Will we be discussing post-production techniques at FW8?
No. Photoshop is only a tool to process the images from your story. We will focus our time at the workshop exclusively on the processes of seeing and capturing those images, not on post-production methods.
Will we be discussing the business of wedding photography at FW8?
Yes. However, the main focus of FW8 is on seeing and thinking and shooting differently. There is no specific time planned for discussions of business matters, but they will occur sporadically throughout the workshop.
Can you guarantee that I will double my bookings after attending FW8?
While we’d like to think that you will find financial success (and bookings) by improving your photographic skills, it’s up to you to make it all come together and make the big bucks.
I heard that participants did not get a lot of sleep during past workshops. Is that true?
Yes. The workshop is very intense, full of challenges and interesting people. Fueled by their passion for photography, many participants find it difficult to rest when immersed in such an environment.
Will there be any other organized social activities for fun?
Not really. Photography is fun!
